ROXBURY ALLSTON KENMORE SQUARE BROOKLINE VILLAGE

SOUTH END BRIGHTON

COOLIDGE CORNER DORCHESTER MATTAPAN JAMAICA PLAIN

Introduction

Dear Gators,

Pine Manor College is dedicated to providing students with the necessary information and tools to success- fully reside in off-campus accommodations. In supporting our students in the off-campus environment, the Office of Residence Life has developed an Off-Campus Living Guide.

This Off-Campus Living Guide outlines the steps and resources to help you have a good off campus living experience. Utilize this guide to answer your off-campus housing questions, learn about the City of Boston resources, and understand your rights and responsibilities as an off-campus resident. We recognize there are some strategies you can use to be successful in your experience living off campus, so we have provided some tangible checklists and forms to use as you create your own unique off campus living experience.

You will find that living off-campus is a very different kind of experience from living in a college residence hall. Unlike the residence halls, the neighborhoods surrounding Boston are full of people whose lifestyles, schedules, and living arrangements may vary greatly from yours. We want students to be successful and thrive in their off-campus living situation.

We hope that this guide will serve as a resource for you and helps you to build the skills and knowledge to be a good renter, roommate, neighbor, and community member.

Office of Residence Life

Disclaimer: This guide is intended for general informational purposes only. Pine Manor College does not recommend or endorse any landlords, tenants, rental facilities or companies in any way. Pine Manor College assumes no responsibility for information obtained from this guide or any incidents that may arise from the use of information posted in this guide. Contact with persons and companies listed herein must be conducted independently and at your own risk.

2 Table of Contents

Where Do I Live………………………………………….. 4 Neighborhoods Boston Neighborhood Reference Map Apartment Rental Costs Transportation & Getting Around Boston

The Apartment Search…………………………………… 10 Finding the Right Apartment For You What Kind Of Property Should You Rent What Rental Period Best Meets Your Needs Documents Needs To Rent Rental Scams Creating A Budget Online Housing Resources

Leases: Renting Essentials………………………………. 19 What is a Lease Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Landlord Rights & Responsibilities Resources for Tenant/Landlord Issues

Health, Safety, and Security……………………………. 25 Apartment Safety Codes Rental Inspections Apartment Safety Personal Safety Rental Insurance

Roommates………………………………………...…….. 30 Find A Roommate Online Roommate Finder Resources Setting The Ground Rules Communicating With Your Roommate

Moving Into Your New Home………………………….. 36 Setting Up Utilities Furnishing Your Space Cooking and Eating Off-Campus Being A Good Neighbor

Forms…….………………………………………...…….. 40

3

Where Do I Live?

In this Section:

Neighborhoods

Boston Neighborhood Reference Map

Apartment Rental Costs

Transportation & Getting Around Boston

4 Neighborhoods

Boston and the surrounding areas offer a wide variety of communities in which to live, each with their own personality and character. It is important to consider proximity to campus, your rental budget, access to public transportation and type of housing (large building or multi-family home), as this will help determine your preferred neighborhood. You can find out more information about Boston neighborhoods at www.boston.gov/neighborhoods

Allston/Brighton Although Allston and Brighton are two distinct communities with their own zip codes and unique characters, this area is often referred to as simply “Allston/ Brighton.” Allston/Brighton offers easy access to dozens of retail establishments and restaurants, and is only 20 minutes via the Green Line to downtown Boston. Although BU and Boston College students tend to dominate Allston/Brighton, this residential area is also home to families with close ties to the neighborhoods.

Cleveland Circle sits at the end of the Green “C” Line near Chestnut Hill and is a haven for Boston College undergraduates and young alumni. Although this area is indistin- guishable from its Brookline neighbor, it is actually a small community within Brighton and caters to the needs of students on a budget. Free on-street parking is available but limited. A residential sticker is required in some areas.

Back Bay The Back Bay is known for its stately brownstones, Parisian-style boulevards, trendy boutiques, fine dining, and upscale hotels. Back Bay stretches from downtown Boston to the Kenmore/Fenway area and includes Copley Square, parts of the South End, the Boston Common, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall – a tree-lined park area nestled between elegant brownstones. Some of Boston’s most famous architectural landmarks – Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library, the Hancock Tower, and the Prudential Center– are situated in the heart of Back Bay. Newbury Street, which boasts some of Boston’s best shopping, is also located in this area. Back Bay is among Boston’s most exclusive districts and is at its best during the holiday season. While the Back Bay is home to the Berklee College of Music as well as MIT fraternities and sororities, rents can be out of reach for most budget-conscious students. Parking is also expensive and difficult to find.

Brookline This sprawling residential community tends to attract undergraduates in search of a quieter community as well as graduate students, faculty, and staff. Coolidge Corner sits at the intersection of Harvard Avenue and Beacon Street and is the heart of the Brookline Community. Coolidge Corner features a mix of take-out eateries, fine dining, bookstores, boutiques, and real estate agencies. This area is home to college students, young families, working professionals, and retirees. Coolidge Corner and the surrounding area offers the convenience of urban living with the feel of a suburban community.

Brookline Village, a small community approximately one mile south of Coolidge Corner, borders Jamaica Plain and is accessible via the bus and the Green “D” Line. Brookline Village is especially popular with graduate students and young working profession- als. Overnight parking is prohibited in Brookline. When considering rental properties, check to ensure that parking is included. If not, you may need to arrange for off-site parking at a cost of roughly $75-$175 per month. 5 Cambridge Cambridge sits north of Boston University and is popular with graduate students, faculty, and staff. Cambridge borders Somerville and Belmont to the north and Watertown to the west, and is home to four communities: Harvard Square, North Cambridge/Fresh Pond, East Cambridge, and Cambridgeport. Rents vary greatly from area to area and are generally lower the further distance from Harvard Square. The North Cambridge/Fresh Pond area, for example, offers more affordable apartments. Housing in the Harvard Square area is much in demand, especially by MIT and Harvard University students, so the competition for affordable rental units can be intense. Units in older two-and three-family homes within a short walk of Harvard Square are especially desirable, but these bargains can be difficult to find. Parking in the Harvard Square area is extraordinarily difficult to locate so taking public transportation is your best option.

Dorchester Dorchester, Boston’s largest residential community, is home to the University of Massachusetts/Boston and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Dorchester’s affordable housing continues to attract an ethnically diverse population with a strong pride in the area. Dorchester is a hodgepodge of smaller neighborhoods each with its own character and sense of community. These communi- ties include: Uphams Corner, Columbia Point (home to the JFK Museum and UMASS/ Boston), Savin Hill, Fields Corner, Four Corners, Codman Square, Ashmont, and Neponset. Prices for rental units tend to be somewhat lower in Dorchester than in other areas of the city. The housing stock in this area ranges from older Victorian homes to three-family homes (better known as “triple-deckers”) and the massive Har- bor Point apartment complex. Transportation along the Red Line is reliable and travel- ing time depends upon the location and time of day.

Fenway/Kenmore Although often grouped together, Fenway and Kenmore are actually two distinct neighborhoods offering different amenities. Kenmore Square sits at the intersection of three major arteries – Commonwealth Avenue, Beacon Street, and Brookline Avenue. Kenmore is a hub for public transportation and includes bus and MBTA “T” stations with easy access to Logan Airport and downtown Boston

The Fenway area is also home to the “Colleges of the Fenway” (Simmons, Wentworth Institute of Technology, MassArt, Emmanuel, and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy). Bordered by Northeastern University on the south, Massachusetts Avenue on the east, and the Massachusetts Turnpike to the north, this dense neighborhood is popular with students and young working professionals. The Longwood Medical Area, a cluster of several world-class hospitals to the east of the Fenway, stretches along Brookline and Longwood Avenue, and includes Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the Harvard Medical School, and Children’s Hospital. Although recently constructed units are available, much of the housing stock in both neighborhoods dates back several decades and offers the charm and challenges of older units. Apartments in this area often retain the original woodwork and craftsmanship of a bygone era. The charm can be eclipsed, however, by older plumbing and obstructed views. Rents are generally competitive.

6 Jamaica Plain Jamaica Plain, affectionately known as “JP,” is perhaps the most culturally and ethnically diverse section of the city. Only 20 minutes from downtown Boston, JP boasts some of the finest parkland in the city. The Arnold Arboretum, a 265-acre bo- tanical garden, features educational programs and community events. Jamaica Pond, a short walk from Centre Street, offers boating and walkways perfect for running and cycling. JP has a well-deserved reputation for its eclectic mix of wonderful restaurants, everything from Cuban to Indian, Italian, Irish, Middle Eastern, and Ethiopian. Housing prices vary depending upon the area and style of accommodations, which include triple-decker houses, stately Victorian homes, and some apartment buildings. The Green “E” Line, which runs along the same route as the Green Line but continues on through the center of Jamaica Plain. JP is also accessible via the Orange Line, which runs south to Forest Hills. Jamaica Plain is one of the few sections of the Boston that does not require a residential parking sticker. Rents in JP are generally reasonable regardless of whether the property is close to Brookline or further south toward Forest Hills.

Mission Hill Mission Hill, a culturally diverse neighborhood bordering Roxbury and Jamaica Plain, is home to many Northeastern, MassArt, and Wentworth Institute of Technology students. Like Jamaica Plain, housing in this area of the city includes triple-deckers, Victorian homes, and mixed-income complexes. Huntington Avenue cuts through the Northeastern campus and connects Mission Hill with the Copley Square/Prudential area as well as downtown Boston. Brigham Circle, Mission Hill’s commercial hub, is a block away from Brigham and Women’s Hospital with stops for the Green “E” Line train and the #39 bus. Apartments in Mission Hill tend to be large. Parking is readily available but parking permits are required.

Roxbury This historic community offers a diverse mix of young families and working profession- als. Founded in 1630, Roxbury features a variety of housing options from Greek Revival homes to multifamily units and apartments. Roxbury also boasts a vibrant arts scene. It is home for the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists and host of year-round cultural activities, including Roxbury Open Studios, the Caribbean Carnival, jazz festivals, and a speaker series sponsored by the Roxbury Historical Society. While on-street parking throughout much of Boston is hard to come by, few resident parking restrictions apply in Roxbury. Cyclists will appreciate bike trails on the Southwest Corridor and Melnea Cass Boulevard, as well as the community’s growing network of bike lanes across the neighborhood to Franklin Park and other areas.

7 Boston Neighborhoods Reference Map

Close Commuting under 30 minutes

Average Commuting under 45 minutes

Long Commuting up to 60 minutes

The following rental cost numbers are meant to serve as an estimate, you will find apartments available for more and less.

Apartment Rental Costs

City Studio 1-bedroom 2- bedroom 3-bedroom 4-bedroom Allston $1,400-1,600 $1,600-2,000 $1,800-3,000 $2,300-4,100 $3,600-5,400 Back Bay $1,900-2,400 $2,400-3,500 $3,000-4,650 $4,500-5,200 $6,000-7,000 Brighton $1,400-1,600 $1,600-2,000 $1,800-3,000 $2,300-4,100 $3,600-5,400 Brookline $1,600-2,000 $2,000-2,600 $2,800-4,000 $3,000-4,000 $4,000-5,000 Cambridge $1,600-2,100 $2,100-3,000 $3,000-4,000 $4,200-4,800 $4,800-5,500 Dorchester $800-1,200 $1,000-1,400 $1,200-1,800 $1,600-2,200 $2,200-2,800 Fenway $1,600-2,000 $2,000-2,600 $2,800-4,000 $4,000-5,000 $5,400-6,000 Hyde Park $1,000-1,500 $1,200-1,900 $2,000-2,600 $2,300-3,000 $2,800-3,200 Jamaica Plain $1,300-1,600 $1,700-2,100 $2,100-2,800 $2,800-3,400 $3,400-3,800 Mattapan $800-1,200 $1,000-1,400 $1,200-1,800 $1,600-2,200 $2,200-2,800 Mission Hill $1,300-1,600 $1,500-2,400 $2,400-3,000 $3,000-3,800 $3,800-4,800 Roxbury $1,300-1,600 $1,400-1,900 $1,700-2,300 $2,000-2,900 $2,500-3,800 Roslindale $1,000-1,500 $1,200-1,900 $2,000-2,600 $2,300-3,000 $2,800-3,200 Somerville $800-1,200 $1,000-1,400 $1,200-1,800 $1,600-2,200 $2,200-2,800 South End $1,600-2,000 $2,000-2,500 $3,000-4,000 $3,800-4,500 $4,800-5,400 8 Transportation & Getting Around Boston

Boston has a compact central area, making it easy to get around on foot or bicycle, or via public transportation. Public transit is generally more economical and worry-free than car ownership, which involves paying for mandatory auto insurance—not to mention the difficulty of parking in Boston.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, more commonly known as the MBTA or“ the T”, maintains Boston’s primary public transportation system. This system of trains and buses allows for easy travel all over Boston and the surrounding area. You can find out more information about the MBTA here.

Subway Map This map emphasizes the subway and Silver Line. It also includes key bus routes and Commuter Rail lines.

MBTA Subway Map-June2020

MBTA-Endorsed Apps There are a variety of smartphone apps to help you plan trips on the MBTA, buy Commuter Rail tickets, pay for parking, and report safety concerns to the Transit Police. All MBTA apps are available for free from Google Play and the Apple App Store.

9

The Apartment Search

In this section:

Finding the Right Apartment For You

What Kind Of Property Should You Rent

What Rental Period Best Meets Your Needs

Documents Needs To Rent

Rental Scams

Creating A Budget

Online Housing Resources 10 Finding the Right Apartment for You

Determine your needs. Your first step to finding a place -off campus is to assess your needs and examine your finances and expectations. Some questions to consider are:

• Am I prepared for the responsibilities that come with living off-campus (rent, utilities, insurance, etc.)?

• Do I have a budget and/or an idea of how much money I would need to spend monthly in order to live off- campus? Can I afford these responsibilities?

• How much are you willing to spend on rent each month?

• Are you planning to live alone or with others?

• Do you want a single room or do you want to share a room?

• Am I okay with the chance that living off-campus can be isolating (especially if I do not have a roommate)?

• Do I enjoy sharing personal space (kitchen, living room, bathroom, etc.) with others?

• Do you want to live in a house or apartment?

• Do I know how to cook? Do I enjoy cooking?

• How close are you to supermarkets and stores?

• What appliances do you want in your living quarters?

• Do I have transportation (car, bus, bike, etc.)?

• If you own a car, is parking available by the apartment? Are there enough parking spaces for your room- mates to park their cars, too?

• What services do you expect from your landlord? Is having on-site management desirable?

One of the biggest challenges off-campus students face is managing a budget. Instead of paying for everything up front like on-campus students, off-campus students have monthly bills. Utilities (i.e. electricity, water, gas), cable, internet, laundry, and food bills come more often than you think! Plan in advance!

11 What does the process look like? How do you begin looking for an apartment to rent for the next year? Follow these easy steps organized for you!

Begin the process: • Decide you wish to live off-campus.

• Take stock of your financial situation and decide if you can afford to live off campus. (It’s not as cost efficient as you think!)

• How many people can you comfortably live with to share expenses?

• Begin choosing your roommate(s). The number of people you wish to live with will determine the size of the places you visit in your search.

• Decide what is important to you and your group in terms of amenities and utilities.

• Decide if you need a furnished or unfurnished apartment. Most places are listed as unfurnished.

Where to look: Speak with your friends who already are living off campus. They can often be your best sources of information.

Look at neighborhoods in town in which you’d like to live. Look for “For Rent” or “Student Rentals” signs posted on properties.

Contact local rental agencies in Boston or a real estate agency.

Look on real estate websites and use their "rentals" option.

When you look at an apartment: • Call (don’t email) the landlord of a property you are interested on looking at. Ask specific questions about the property. If still interested, set up a time that your entire group can meet with the landlord to look at the rental.

• When you meet the landlord, realize that first impressions are important. Dress to impress them and treat them with respect.

• Arrive on time for your appointment, or even a little early.

• If your schedule changes, make sure you call as soon as possible to explain and set up a new meeting time.

• Be organized. Bring a checklist (one is provided in this guide) and pencil so you can make notes.

• Consider taking pictures so you can look at them later.

• Go ahead and turn on the water in the sinks and showers to check for pressure issues. Flush the toilet to see that it is functioning properly.

• Ask to see things like the breaker box and main water valves so you can get a sense of how easy they are to access if you were to have to get to them in an emergency.

• Do not allow the landlord to push you into signing anything until you are ready.

• Confirm the next step in the process. When will the landlord contact you (or you contact them) to sign the lease? Who will need to be there, and what will you need to bring?

• Ask the landlord to see a copy of the Certificate of Compliance for the property. This document indicates that the property is in compliance with local regulations regarding rental properties (i.e. safety). You can find additional information through RentSmart Boston or Inspectional Services on the City of Boston website.

• If you decide you are not interested in the property, be courteous and polite and inform the landlord. This might help you should your paths cross in the future.

12 WHAT KIND OF PROPERTY SHOULD YOU RENT?

Apartment

Pros Cons Secure and private entry to the building and Shared space with all other residents, especially unit laundry rooms, mail areas, and lounges

Typically fewer tenants per unit than are Buildings with many units have a greater potential for found in a house noise issues and hazards

Greater chance of an onsite, and more Apartment hallways, trash rooms, and entryways may responsive, landlord or property manager be neglected or abused

House

Pros Cons Typically more spacious than an apartment Oftentimes homes are less secure than apartments, holding the same number of tenants especially if the property is isolated

Much better way to live with a large group of Homes may require more maintenance, which can people, which is one of the cheapest ways to mean more reliance on the landlord rent Better chance pets are permitted, especially The fewer people you live with, or the nicer the house, if the house comes with a yard the pricier the rent will be. Total rent for a house will tend to be more than the apartment equivalent

More likely to have private amenities, such Shared bathroom, kitchen, and living areas can mean as a washer and dryer less privacy overall

WHAT RENTAL PERIOD BEST MEETS YOUR NEEDS?

In formal leasing agreements, rental periods typically break down as follows:

• One-year Lease • Six-month Lease • Three-month Lease • Month-to-month Lease

Generally, the longer you agree to rent a place, the cheaper your rent will be. Ending your agreement early can mean finding a suitable subletter who you are at least partially responsible for (as determined by the lease). Abandoning a lease can also mean serious financial and legal consequences for you and any roommates.

We will look at the pros and cons of the one-year lease and the month to month lease. Six-month and month-month options are essentially more expensive variants of the one-year lease.

13 One Year Lease Pros Cons Typically the longest period offered to stu- Less flexibility if unexpected education or career op- dents, making rental rates comparatively low portunities arise that would require a move

Protected against rent increases for the du- Breaking the lease can make you liable for finding a ration of the lease. Be sure to confirm the suitable subletter yourself, or paying for expenses the rate is set in your lease landlord incurs for finding a new tenant

Easiest type of lease to find

Landlord may be willing to haggle individual costs and policies of the rent so long as the agreement is for a year

Month-to-Month

Pros Cons Greater flexibility, allowing you to give short Landlords have more freedom to increase your rent, notice to the landlord when you are ready to which may force you to relocate move

Little to no consequences for staying for a More expensive monthly rate than other lease options very short period of time

Can easily be converted into a longer lease Hardest type of lease to find, especially when landlords with the potential to negotiate a lowered know they are leasing to a college student rent Allows you to do a "trial run" of a unit or building to help you decide if you want to commit

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO RENT?

Young adults do not typically have an established credit or rental history, so many landlords in the college rental mar- ket take precautions to protect their interests. Here is some of the information they may expect from you:

• Rental history, including dates, addresses, and contact information for former landlords

• Social security number and date of birth

• Pay stubs or bank statements to demonstrate income

• Co-signer information if you do not have sufficient credit history

• Personal references

• Criminal history

14 Questions to Ask Property Managers, Leasing Offices, and Landlords

A property manager or landlord's job is to work alongside you throughout the term of your lease. Prior to signing the lease, you need to confirm that your future landlord or building manager will hold up their end of the bar- gain. Here are some questions to ask when considering a rental:

• What is the total square footage and room configuration?

• Are some or all of the utilities covered by the rent? If not, can you give me an estimate for those costs?

• What are your parking options?

• Is there on-site maintenance, security, and/or property managers?

• What is the refund policy for security deposits?

• Is there a secure area for mail and inbound packages?

• What types of customizations can you make to a property (paint, nails for hanging pictures, etc.)? Which ones are prohibited?

• Will facilities staff conduct inspections, and how much notice do they need to give?

• Are there any safety or health concerns associated with the property (mold, lead paint, etc.)?

• When are quiet hours?

• Are there guest restrictions?

• Are there any fees associated with the rental that we haven't discussed?

Rental Scams Online classifieds have created a perfect staging ground for rental scams, easily targeting inexperienced renters, such as college students. A 2010 public service announcement posted by the Internet Crime Complaint Center, a project supported by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, warns prospective renters and homeowners against scammers who advertise fraudulent property listings online. These criminals hope to steal funds directly through fraudulently collected security deposits and rent, or they wish to steal identities with information gathered from fake applications. This section covers methods of identifying a scam and protecting yourself.

Warning Signs • The price seems too good to be true; doesn't fit with market rates for similar, surrounding properties • High upfront costs, such as security deposits and other fees • Excuses for why a rental unit can't be shown to prospective tenants, such as "the owner is traveling" or "the landlord is sick" • Requests for payment before you see the apartment • No professional online presence or leasing office location • Listings with multiple grammatical mistakes or stilted/broken English

Tips for Protecting Yourself Against Scammers • Research the leasing office, property manager, and landlord in advance • Read tenant reviews and historical information about the property • Never submit payments or sign a contract without seeing a property • Leave a payment paper trail with checks, strictly avoiding cash or wire transfer payments • Quiz the landlord or property manager about the property to see how well they answer basic questions • Double check to make sure the property is actually owned by the alleged property manager or landlord's organization (this sort of information can be found on real estate websites like Zillow or Trulia)

You can find out more information about rental scams on the City of Boston website at: www.boston.gov/departments/consumer-affairs-and-licensing/apartment-scams

15 CREATING A BUDGET

Determining a realistic budget is an important first step when looking for an apartment or room to rent. In addition to rent, there are several costs that come with living off-campus.

Common routine costs you can anticipate when renting an apartment or room:

• Security deposit • Realtor fee • Application fee • Monthly utilities • Electricity • Gas and heat • Water • Internet • Garbage and recycling • Renter’s insurance (optional but recommended) • Laundry costs • Food costs • Transportation costs to/from home

We will give you some tools for determining your off-campus living budget and recommendations for saving costs on rent, transportation, course supplies and food.

BUDGET WORKSHEET A good way to start creating a budget is to take inventory of your routine income and expenses. The budget spreadsheet on the following page is an example of one way to take inventory of your monthly budget.

HOW TO USE THE BUDGET SPREADSHEET

Begin first with your sources of income and revenue. Calculate your monthly income from the categories provided, as applicable.

Next, itemize your monthly expenses. There are two kinds of expenditures: fixed and variable.

• Fixed expenses are those due each month with little, if any, variance (e.g. rent)

• Variable expenses are those which vary with personal taste and lifestyle (e.g. entertainment

and the cost to heat your home)

Add up the totals from both your Expenses spreadsheet and subtract them from your total from your Income spreadsheet.

• If the net result is positive (or at least zero), your expenses and your income match the lifestyle that you hope to be living.

• If the net result is negative, this indicates that you are spending more than you are making. If this is the case, you may need to make some changes, such as living with roommates or reducing your cell phone plan to a minimal plan.

Predicting Costs It may be difficult to estimate monthly costs if you have never lived off-campus. To help create an initial budget, you can follow the standard recommendation to spend no more than 30-40% of your total monthly income on rent in order to leave room in your budget for other essential costs (such as food and transportation).

16 Budgeting Worksheet Compare your total expenses with your total income. Your income should be greater than your expenses. If that is not the case, look for ways to first reduce your flexible expenses and then your fixed expenses.

INCOME Daily Monthly Semesterly Yearly From Jobs From Parents/Family From Financial Aid Miscellaneous Income Other Total Income: FIXED EXPENSES Daily Monthly Semesterly Yearly Rent/Housing Food/Meal Plan Car Payment Car Insurance/Registration Renter's Insurance Tuition & Fees Loan/ Credit Card Payments Cell Phone Utilities Other Total Fixed Expenses : FLEXIBLE EXPENSES Daily Monthly Semesterly Yearly Eating Out Vending/Coffee Clothing Books & School Supplies Entertainment Utilities/Electricity Cable/Internet Hygiene Products (Shampoo, soap, deodorant) Recreation/Gym Car Repairs/Oil Change Gasoline Child Care/Pet Care Laundry Travel Savings Miscellaneous Expenses Other Total Flexible Expenses Daily Monthly Semesterly Yearly Total Income Total Fixed Expenses Total Flexible Expenses 17 ONLINE HOUSING RESOURCES

ABODO Apartments ABODO Apartments is a map that plots all U.S. universities and colleges on an interactive map, so students can easily find housing near their campus. The map also shows nearby grocery stores, public transportation and other amenities.

Apartments.com Apartments.com simplifies the process of finding a new apartment by offering renters the most comprehensive data- base including millions of detailed and accurate apartment listings across the United States.

Apartment Guide Apartment Guide offers in-depth apartment listings with info on properties, neighborhoods & more.

ApartmentList ApartmentList compiles rentals from over 100 different listing sources. There’s no need to view multiple websites to search for an apartment. Each city on the website shows local neighborhoods, pricing, noise level, nearby attractions, restaurants, shopping, and more.

PadMapper PadMapper is a virtual map that can be used to find off-campus housing. You can personalize your search by using the toolbox on the map. PadMapper allows you to search by number of rooms, price and location.

Rent.com Rent.com targets first-time renters, especially millennials, connecting them to all different types of rental properties.

18

Leases: Renting Essentials

In this section:

What is a Lease

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities

Landlord Rights & Responsibilities

Resources for Tenant/Landlord Issues

19 Renting Essentials: What is a Lease? A lease is a binding legal contract between you (the tenant or lessee) and the landlord (lessor). You are given the possession of an apartment that is owned by the landlord and, therefore, there are specifications as to what you must do and not do. A typical lease states the terms of the rental agreement and is legally enforceable. If certain conditions of the lease are violated, the landlord can try to terminate the lease. Most landlords use the Fixed Term Lease with an attached addendum. Always read the lease completely before signing and make sure you understand all terms, or ask for clarification!

TOP 10: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR LEASE

1. Purpose of the lease: It protects both the landlord and the tenant, as it binds the tenant to make rental pay- ments and protects the tenant from rental increases or eviction during the lease term.

2. What is included in the lease: Name of all tenants, landlord contact information, address of the apartment, term of the lease (start and end dates), monthly rent amount, when rent is due, who to send rent to, amount of security deposit, contact for repairs, subletting permission requirements, and any utilities included.

3. Typical terms of a lease: Most leases are for 12 months, September 1 to August 31. If looking for a shorter term, consider a sublet. If your lease is month-to-month (or Tenant-at-Will), your landlord can raise your rent or evict you with 30 days notice. You must also give 30 days notice to leave a month-to-month rental. A year lease provides greater protection against changes. Think about what your housing needs are when looking.

4. When to sign the lease: Sign the lease only AFTER you have read it (including the addendum) in its entirety, or have had someone else read it. Only sign once you have clarified all concerns, negotiated any terms and feel comfortable abiding by all terms of the lease. Do not sign a lease for an apartment that is under construction unless you understand the risks that construction may not be complete when you move in.

5. What to pay upfront: There are generally four fees you will need to pay when you sign a lease: first month’s rent, last month’s rent, security deposit, and realtor fee (broker’s fee). There are some situations where you won’t have to pay a realtor fee. First month’s rent can be requested as a deposit before you sign the lease. On- ly pay the remainder of the fees after you have read, agreed to, and signed the lease.

6. No More Than 4 Rule: The Boston ordinance, No More Than 4, protects you from unsafe conditions by limiting the number of undergraduate students who can live together to 4. This is to protect students from overcrowd- ed housing and unsafe conditions.

7. Watch out for: • “As is” clauses that stipulate the premises will be taken “as is” – this does not protect you against receiving the apartment in an unclean and unsanitary condition. • Some leases allow your landlord to access your apartment without your consent. Protect your rights to privacy with a clause that states the landlord must give you reasonable notice. • Any unusual or unreasonable rules or regulations in the addendum that may • not be in your best interest. Be sure you read all rules and ask for clarification as needed.

8. Get everything in writing! It may feel awkward to ask for verbal promises to be put in writing, but you need to protect yourself and ensure everything agreed upon is in writing.

9. Get a copy of your lease. A landlord is legally required to provide you with one copy of your lease (hard copy or electronic) for free.

10. Ask Questions!Don ’t understand a clause or rule? Ask. Don’t agree with the language? Ask to have it changed. Never sign a lease in which you do not agree! You can walk away from a lease before you sign it.

20 Lease Addendum(s) In addition to the standard lease, many landlords attach additional pages, referred to as an Addendum. Be sure that you read these clauses carefully and understand them, because they are also a legal part of your lease and are binding once signed.

PAYING THE RENT As a tenant, you have a legal responsibility to pay the rent for use of a property that is in decent condition.

A landlord cannot charge interest or a penalty on late rent until 30 days after the due date. However, the landlord can begin the eviction process immediately, even if the rent is only one day overdue. The landlord also cannot use a re- verse penalty clause to encourage you to pay early. The rent can only be increased when your lease term expires.

When you live off-campus, the Student Financial Services office does not automatically know how much you are pay- ing for rent and utilities, so they apply a standard rate as your “cost of attendance.” The Cost of Attendance is used to determine your maximum loan amount. Make an appointment with your Financial Aid counselor and bring a copy of your lease with you to review your cost of attendance. Contact them at 617.373.3190.

SECURITY DEPOSITS In Massachusetts, it is common practice for landlords to require incoming tenants to pay a security deposit. A security deposit is a form of protection for the landlord if tenants cause damage to the property or leave owing rent. Security deposits cannot exceed the amount of one month’s full rent.

Upon receiving a security deposit, a landlord must provide you (the tenant) with a receipt that includes: the amount of the security deposit, the name of the person receiving it, the name of the landlord, the date on which it was received, and the description of the premises being rented.

The landlord must place the money in a separate, interest bearing account in a bank located in Massachusetts. Within thirty (30) days of receiving the deposit, a landlord must provide you a second receipt that includes: the name and location of the bank where the money is being held, the account number, and the amount of the deposit.

A security deposit may only be used for three things:

• Unpaid rent • Repair of damages caused by the tenant (NOT including general wear and tear) • Payment of the tenant’s percentage of a property tax increase (provided that there was a tax escalator clause in the tenant’s lease)

A landlord has until 30 days after the end of the tenancy to return the entire security deposit and accrued interest. If any deductions are made, the landlord must return the balance along with an itemized listing of any deductions, plus supporting documentation and receipts. If the landlord does not return the deposit within 30 days, or the tenant dis- putes any deductions made, the tenant should send a demand letter asking for the immediate return of the amount in dispute.

21 TENANT RIGHTS You have many rights as a tenant, much of which pertain to making your apartment livable and safe. The state Sanitary Code outlines these provisions. If the following requirements are not met, you have the right to withhold a portion of the rent from the date the landlord is notified: • You must be provided with running water, and you can’t be charged for it unless you live in a single- family home or you have a sub-meter for your unit. • You must be provided a sink, stove, and oven. Note that a refrigerator is not required, but if one is pro- vided it must be kept in good working condition. • The landlord must keep the apartment rodent- and insect-free. • Your landlord (or their agent) may only enter your apartment to inspect the premises, make repairs, show the apartment to prospective tenants, in accordance with a court order, and they must provide proper notice. Landlords or their agents may only enter without notice in an emergency. • Your landlord cannot terminate tenancy or raise rent in response to you exercising your legal rights. If such actions are taken within six months of you contacting the Board of Health, joining a tenants’ organ- ization, or exercising any other legal rights, those actions can be considered retaliation against you. The landlord will be required to prove otherwise.

TENANT RESPONSIBILITIES • Pay your rent on time or you may be subject to late fees and/or eviction. • Follow the terms of the lease. You can be evicted before your lease is up if you do not obey the terms of the lease. • Write down and photograph any damages. You are responsible for documenting and providing your landlord with a list of everything that is wrong when you move in. When you move out, if there are damag- es to the apartment, the landlord has the right to charge for the damages. • Remove garbage and recyclables in a clean and safe manner into the appropriate containers and follow proper garbage collection procedures. • Be responsible for your conduct and the conduct of other persons on the property, whether you know them or not. • Keep your apartment in good condition by keeping the apartment clean and safe, including plumbing fixtures, notify the landlord of any needed repairs as soon as possible and handle all appliances appropriately.

LANDLORD RIGHTS The landlord also has rights and responsibilities, many of which are protected in the lease. • The right to prompt payment. The landlord should be paid by the day indicated in the lease. There is no grace period in Massachusetts, but a landlord cannot charge a late penalty unless there is a “late payment penalty” clause in the lease and not until it is 30 days late. • The right to have the tenant follow the terms of the tenancy agreement. If the agreement is broken in any way, the landlord has the right to terminate the tenancy.

22 • The right to increase the rent, but must follow certain guidelines in doing so. For a tenancy at will, tenant must be notified at least a full rental period in advance. For a tenant under a lease, the rent can only be increased after the lease expires, unless the lease states otherwise.

• The right to have tenants pay for their own utilities (electricity and gas), and should be stated in the tenancy agreement. Water is paid for by the landlord, unless there is a sub-meter and it’s specified in the lease.

• The right to enter the tenant’s apartment at specific times, with proper notice. A landlord may enter for the following reasons: to show the apartment to prospective tenants, purchasers, lenders or their agents; to make necessary repairs; to inspect within 30 days of the end to the tenancy to assess damages that should be deducted from the security deposit; the apartment appears abandoned; or there is a court order to enter. Landlords or their agents may enter without notice only in an emergency.

LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITIES • Provide tenants a copy of the signed lease within 30 days. They must also provide a security deposit receipt including the bank location and account number of where the funds are being held.

• Provide running water and pay for water usage unless sub-meters have been installed or rental is a single -family home.

• Provide a sink, stove, and oven. Note that a refrigerator is not required, but if one is provided it must be kept in good working condition.

• Keep the apartment rodent- and insect-free. A landlord must pay for rodent/ insect removal if there are 2 or more units.

• A landlord cannot terminate tenancy or raise rent in response to a tenant exercising their legal rights. If such actions are taken within six months of a tenant contacting the Board of Health, joining a tenants’ organization, or exercising any other legal rights, those actions can be considered retaliation. The land- lord will be required to prove otherwise. For more detailed information, visit the Rental Housing Services online.

Use the following resources to take action.

• Call the Boston Rental Housing Center to ask about your rights and Massachusetts tenant and landlord law. Their contact information can be found on the next page.

• Set up a free inspection of your apartment with the Inspectional Services Department (City of Boston).

• See the contact information for these resources and other Boston nonprofitresources that offer advice regarding tenant/landlord issues:

23 Boston Rental Housing Resource Center www.boston.gov/departments/neighborhood-development#page/BostonRentalHousingCenter 617.635.3880 Advice, information, and assistance for Boston landlords and tenants regarding rental housing issues.

Inspectional Services Department www.boston.gov/departments/inspectional-services 617.635.5300 Report violations of the State Sanitary Code not addressed by a landlord.

Boston Housing Court www.mass.gov/topics/courts-self-help 617.788.6500 Advice and representation for tenants and landlords.

Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-consumer-affairs-and-business-regulation 617.973.8787 Ensures fair treatment for consumers.

Volunteer Lawyers Project www.vlpnet.org 617.423.0648 Free civil legal assistance to low-income residents of Greater Boston.

Lawyers for Affordable Justice www.lawyers4aj.org 857.277.1963 Affordable legal assistance for tenant/ landlord issues.

Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Services www.masslawhelp.com 617.654.0400 Referrals to lawyers who are members of the Massachusetts Bar.

Massachusetts Attorney General www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-attorney-general-maura-healey 617.727.2200 Safeguards consumer rights.

24

Health, Safety, and Security

In this section:

Apartment Safety Codes

Rental Inspections

Apartment Safety

Personal Safety

Rental Insurance

25 Health, Safety and Security

APARTMENT SAFETY CODES The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code is a set of regulations developed to protect the health, safety, and well-being of occupants of any dwelling. A summary of these requirements can be found at www.boston.gov/departments/inspectional- services/meeting-housing-code-boston

Look carefully at the following in any property you are considering renting: • Structural elements- Landlords must maintain the foundation, floors, walls, doors, windows, ceilings, roof, staircases, porches, chimneys, and other structural elements in good repair. • Electricity and wiring- All rooms, except kitchen and bath, should have either two outlets or one outlet and one light fixture. Kitchens must have one light fixture and two outlets while baths must have one light fixture. • Ventilation- There must be windows or mechanical vents in every room. • Safety exits- The law requires two exits that are free from obstruction and secured from inside. • No More Than Four- Boston Zoning Code prohibits more than four full-time undergraduate students living in one apartment, regardless of its size.

RENTAL INSPECTIONS Landlords are required by law to have their rental units inspected for compliance with the State Sanitary Code to en- sure safe and healthy rental units for residents. If your property has not been inspected, ask your landlord to have it done, or request an inspection by calling Inspectional Services (ISD). For a copy of the State Sanitary Code, visit www.boston.gov/departments/inspectional-services/inspecting-housing-boston

Don’t fall prey to unscrupulous landlords! Utilize the resources below or at the end of this guide if you have questions, need advice, or require assistance.

Boston Rental Housing Center 26 Court Street, 1st floor www.boston.gov/departments/neighborhood-development#page/BostonRentalHousingCenter 617.635.3880

Inspectional Services Department (ISD) 1010 Massachusetts Ave, 5th floor www.boston.gov/departments/inspectional-services 617.635.5300

26 STAY CLEAN AND INFESTATION FREE Your landlord is responsible for keeping your apartment free from insects and rodents. If you have an infestation problem, contact your landlord so that appropriate measures can be taken to get rid of the unwanted guests.

Infestation by rodents can often be avoided by storing trash in appropriate locations. Make sure trash containers have lids and remove trash from inside the residence frequently. Ask your landlord about the proper location for trash and recycling. For information on trash pickup for your street, download the Boston Trash App.

Special Alert: Bed Bugs Bed bugs are tiny insects that are only four to five millimeters long. They hide in furniture, especially in beds and mattresses, and are hard to see. Most people realize bed bugs are present from their persistent biting around the arms and shoulders. To prevent bed bugs, inspect your apartment carefully and make sure your landlord completes all rental inspections required by Boston. If you buy used furniture, inspect it carefully for the bugs. If bed bugs do appear, notify your landlord immediately and arrange for fumigation. If may be necessary to throw away infested furniture.

Boston’s Inspectional Services Department seeks to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all city residents. Violations of the state sanitary code, including bed bugs, not addressed by a landlord should be reported to In- spectional Services (ISD). For more information, go to www.boston.gov/departments/inspectional-services

APARTMENT SAFETY

Fire Safety • Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once a month and change the batteries at least once a year. The landlord is responsible for installing working alarms. • If your apartment does not already have a fire extinguisher, buy one to have in an easily accessible location. Keep it in or near the kitchen, as this is the room most likely for a fire to start. • Plan and practice emergency evacuation routes so you and all roommates know exactly what to do in the case of a fire. Consider all stairs, hallways, and windows that can be used as fire escape routes. • Test windows and doors. Are they easy to open? Wide and tall enough? • If you hear the fire alarm, leave immediately. Time is critical; don’t waste time by getting dressed or searching for pets and valuables. • If there is a fire, roll out of bed and stay low. One breath of smoke or gases may be enough to kill. • Feel all doors before opening them. If a door is hot, get out another way. • If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop to the ground, and roll. • Post emergency numbers in a prominent location.

Locks • Check all door locks to make sure they are functioning properly. • Make sure your door has a deadbolt lock and a peephole. • Become familiar with how your door locks operate and remember to keep your door locked at all times. • Lock your door and take your keys whenever you leave your apartment

Window Security • Make sure all windows in your apartment are equipped with properly functional locks and riser restrictors. • If you have a sliding glass door, place a wooden rod in the door track so it can’t be opened from the outside.

27 Building Security • Never “buzz in” someone you don’t know and don’t allow strangers to follow you into the main entrance, or enter as you leave the building. • Immediately report all suspicious activity, strangers loitering in or near the building, or behavior by other residents or tenants that you feel presents a security risk. • Do not prop open the front or back doors. • If the door locks are not working, call the landlord or maintenance person to get them fixed. • Do not allow anyone who is loitering or hanging out in front of the building to gain access. • Always check to see who is at your door before opening it. • Make sure you know who has master keys to your building apartments. • Make sure that all public areas of your building and walkways are well lit. • Make sure mailboxes are locked. • Know who handles your maintenance. Hazardous situations like snow, trash, and burned out lights should be reported immediately.

Snow Safety In buildings with more than one unit, your landlord is responsible for removing snow and keeping every exit clean and unobstructed, unless your lease states otherwise.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Keep these three basic personal safety rules in mind:

1. Do stay alert. Keep your mind on your surroundings, who’s in front of you and who’s behind you. Don't get distracted.

2. Do communicate the message that you're calm, confident, and know where you're going. Stand tall, walk purposefully, and make quick eye contact with people around you.

3. Do trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation .. .leave.

Other Items to Think About:

• Never loan anyone your key. Non residents—even close friends—do not have the same level of concern for the security of your house. If keys are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the police, and have your locks changed. At night always have your keys ready before you get to the door.

• Have your local police telephone number posted near all telephones in case of emergency. Program it into your cell phone too.

• Do not use your first name on mailboxes or in telephone directories. Use your first initial only.

• Be aware of deserted laundry rooms, common lounges, basements, parking garages, and elevators, especially late at night. Consider using or entering these areas when others are around.

• Always escort your guests in and out of the building. Remember, you are responsible for the conduct of your guests while they are present in your building. Individuals not living in your building may not feel a sense of obli- gation to you, your property, or other residents.

• Avoid walking alone at night, but if you must, stay in well-lighted, open areas.

• Stay sober and coherent. Persons under the influence are much more likely to be the victim of a serious crime or accident or to victimize others.

28 RENTER’S INSURANCE

Renter’s insurance is very important as it covers you and your possessions as a renter. A standard policy protects your personal property from theft or damage; and it may cover temporary living expenses if your rental is damaged and unlivable. Here are a few FAQs about renter’s insurance.

Would my landlord’s insurance cover me? Almost always, no. Your personal items such as clothes, furniture, computers, etc. are not covered by your landlord’s insurance. Usually the landlord’s insurance only covers their loss when their property has been damaged or de- stroyed.

Would my parent’s insurance cover me? Possibly. If you’re a full-time college student and part of your parent’s household their homeowners or renter’s insurance may provide you with some coverage for your residence hall room, but more than likely not an off-campus apartment.

Who should purchase Renter’s Insurance? Anyone who rents a place to live. Under most circumstances, the landlord’s policy will not pay for losses of your personal property or damages caused by the tenant. Property losses are usually unexpected. Insurance is a means of protection in case such losses occur.

What is covered or not covered? Talk with an insurance agent to understand their array of policies and coverage options. Normal coverage may include fire, lightning, windstorm, explosion, vehicles, smoke damage, water damage from plumbing, and theft. Floods, nor- mal wear and tear, and earthquakes may not be covered. Check with an insurance agent as some policies may include these factors or coverage may be available to purchase.

How do I determine what coverage is right for me? Most insurance companies have household inventory sheets to aid in calculating how much coverage is needed. Complete coverage may cost as much as two hundred dollars or less per year depending upon location. Shop around and com- pare prices. Renter’s insurance is a small price to pay for protection.

How do I get renter’s insurance? It’s easy. If you have a car, talk to the agent who handles your car insurance. Ask your family members for contact information for agents they have had good experiences with. Your realtor may also be able to give you some information on where to go as well.

Check out these sites for more information regarding Renter’s Insurance.

College Student Insurance: CSI Insurance Agency, Inc. provides students with insurance protection designed exclusively for college life. For more information, call 888.411.4911 or go to www.collegestudentinsurance.com.

National Student Services (NSSI): NSSI’s coverage plans are designed specifically for students living in college or university residence halls or off-campus housing. For more information go to www.nssi.com.

Progressive Insurance: Protect your apartment or rental house — and your possessions — with renters insurance from Progressive Home Advantage. For more information go to www.progressive.com/renters.

State Farm Insurance: State Farm renters insurance is for anyone who rents a home, be it a house or an apartment. For more information go to www.statefarm.com/insurance/home-and-property/renters

Disclaimer: Any subsequent purchase of a policy through these insurance companies is a transaction between the student and the insurance company, and will not involve Pine Manor College.

29

Roommates

In this section:

Find A Roommate

Online Roommate Finder Resources

Setting The Ground Rules

Communicating With Your Roommate

30 Finding a Roommate

When looking for roommates there are several things you might want to consider. To help you decide who is compatible for you, consider how you feel about friends and lifestyle preference, finances, religious beliefs, as well as the type of housing you want. It helps to know how you feel about these things so you can voice your opinion when searching for a roommate or when you have already found one.

When your search begins, you will probably begin talking to people you already know. This has some advantages and disadvantages. Living with someone you already know probably makes for less tension at the beginning be- cause you are aware of what you have in common, what the other person likes or dislikes, and their lifestyle. You are probably already familiar with some of their idiosyncrasies and there are fewer surprises along the way. Even though you might feel you “really know” this person, living with them could be a totally different thing. Consider the fact that you might have the potential to be better friends than you are roommates. You will prob- ably be less likely to tell an acquaintance if something is bothering you for fear of hurting his or her feelings. That can be fatal to any relationship.

Sometimes you are not able to find a person you are already acquainted with and other times you choose some- one you do not know. When choosing a roommate you do not know, it is a good idea to talk to the individual on the phone first. It if seems to be worth pursuing, then set up a time to meet and discuss some important matters to check your compatibility. It is probably not a good idea to start off with in-depth questions. You might scare them away if you do that! Ask basic questions that allow a lot of information to be given, such as:

1. What is your schedule like? (the hours you study, work, sleep) 2. What kind of personal habits do you prefer? (clean, neat, eating, noise) 3. Do you like to have visitors over often? (Guests? Relatives? etc.) 4. What kind of academic interests do you have? (goals, graduation date, major, etc.) 5. What do you like to do in your spare time? (recreation, relaxation, outside activities)

If you still see this individual as a potential roommate, you can move on to more serious questions, such as:

1. Preferences in food, music, study habits, visiting friends, and boy/girl friends. 2. How you prefer to handle the finances and pay the bills. 3. How much rent you are willing to pay, the amount of bedrooms you want, and how much privacy is im- portant to you. 4. Your religious beliefs and church affiliation and if you think it might/might not get in the way of you and your roommate. 5. If you want the apartment furnished or unfurnished. 6. Some things a little less major like long-distance services, cable, things like that.

Always remember to be kind and honest. Treat others as you would want to be treated. The individuals you in- terview are probably just as skeptical or nervous as you are.

Here are a few suggestions that might be helpful in making a final decision.

1. Make a list of the positive characteristics you would like. 2. Do the same with negative or unacceptable traits, like pet peeves or things you really cannot tolerate. 3. Be sure you recognize the fact that no one is a carbon copy of yourself and compromises will have to be made.

If you interview more people than you need to live with, be sure to tell the others “yes” or “no” as soon as you decide. They are in the same situation you are in, so it is not fair for them to have to wait. Informing them of your decision as soon as possible is just common courtesy.

31 ONLINE ROOMMATE FINDER RESOURCES

Diggz

As a relative newcomer to the scene, Diggz currently offers roommate and room searches in only a dozen or so cities, including New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Vancouver. What it lacks in reach, however, it makes up for in value. An account with Diggz is completely free. It is the best free finder since it provides security, advanced matching, and scammer screening at no cost to users.

Another thing that makes Diggz popular is its clean and simple interface. Once users enter some personal preferences, like sleeping and working schedules, cleanliness, and drinking and smoking preferences, Diggz uses a proprietary algorithm to generate a set of 10 matches to get started. Despite its intuitive online interface, however, Diggz does not offer a mobile app.

Roomi

One thing that distinguishes Roomi from the others is that it asks users to add their social media links and complete a background check. A badge is then displayed on each user’s profile to show how much of the verification process they’ve completed. Like other roommate finders, the platform uses a secure internal messaging system so users don’t have to exchange personal contact information in order to communicate.

Roomi takes roommate search one step further by letting interested renters book their space by paying for the first month’s rent using a secure online payment system. Once payment is accepted, the renter’s listing is removed from the Roomi site. Roomi lets users create a free account using Facebook or an email address. Background checks cost $15, and users can boost their listings to the top of the search results page for $12 for a day or $50 for a week. Roomi's app is available for Android and iPhones.

Roomster

What makes Roomster unique is that it links users’ social media accounts to the app, so you can find potential roommates by browsing their profiles. Users can sign up via a Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google, or LinkedIn account or with an email address. Roomster also offers an iPhone and Android app.

Roomster's website and apps allow for easy browsing. Users can scroll through filtered results of other Roomster users or properties and even view a map of the area with dots indicating the location of nearby listings. Once a user finds a roommate that looks promising, they can connect through the Roomster mailbox. Roomster gives you a free account that lets you post a listing with photos and receive messages from paid subscribers. Sending messages to accounts and viewing social media profiles requires a paid subscription.

SpareRoom

SpareRoom claims to be the busiest roommate finder, matching roommates every three minutes on average. It has a strong focus on creating a secure platform for its users. You can search for a location or postcode to see all the apartment shares available. You can filter your results or using their Advanced Search for even better results based on your budget, ideal location, and a whole host of other options.

SpareRoom takes trust and security very seriously and uses a team of real people to screen each and every ad to ensure listings are safe and verified. The system uses automatic filtering software on its internal messaging system to scan for and quarantine any messages sent by scammers. SpareRoom lets users register via Facebook or email and offers both iPhone and Android apps.

32 Online Roommate Finder FAQ

How Can Roommate Finders Help You? A roommate finder platform lets someone looking for a roommate or a room to rent shop around for someone they will get along with. Similar to dating sites and apps, users can filter by any number of matching factors, such as sleep habits and schedules, tidiness, tendency to host parties or have friends over, and more.

Users looking for a roommate often need to add additional details, such as the cost of rent, length of the lease, and specifics (including photos) about the rented property. Users searching for a room to rent often add information about the length of the lease and specific amenities they are looking for.

How Do You Find a Reliable Roommate? Two of the most important factors to consider when looking for a roommate are reliability and compatibility. A room- mate who pays rent on time and splits the bills 50/50 but doesn’t lift a finger to clean can be a nightmare to live with. Similarly, a roommate that feels like (or is) a best friend but is always behind on rent or bills creates a whole other set of stressful problems.

Roommate finders address both of these issues by using tags and filters to help match users’ needs and personalities. Some even connect to social media accounts to see if they share any friends, and many offer ID verification and background checks for added security.

Are Roommate Finders Safe? Like any roommate listing service, roommate finders are prone to abuse by scammers. A typical scenario involves someone posting a“ room for rent,” finding an excuse why they can’t meet in person (like being out of town), and then collecting a deposit and disappearing. Often, the person renting the room isn’t the same as the one in the ad or doesn’t have permission to rent the room in the first place.

The best roommate finders offer multiple verifications to weed out potential scammers. This can be through anything from social media verification (where users can check for overlap in trusted friend circles) and driver’s license authen- tication to full-blown background checks.

Almost all roommate finders also offer secure internal messaging systems so users can communicate as often as they want without sharing personal identification. Once trust is established, both parties can agree to share personal contact info or meet in person before committing to a living arrangement.

Roommate finders start by having users create profiles with their basic information. This can include a photo, a short bio, and personality tags to help match users. Where services often differ is in how accurate their internal matching systems are. Generally, the more tags and filters you use, the more likely you are to find a match.

To protect users’ safety, most roommate finders use an internal messaging system so no one has to exchange person- al contact info, like emails and phone numbers, until they feel comfortable. Some platforms take this a step further by requiring both contacts to “like” each other, similar to the way dating apps work, before any communication is al- lowed.

Finally, most good roommate finders offer a smartphone app, making it easy to browse for rooms or roommates any- where, anytime. While many services allow users to post for free, most charge for communicating with other paid us- ers or to boost listings and get them in front of more eyes.

33 SETTING THE GROUND RULES

Once you have decided on a roommate it is not a bad idea to have each person sign a roommate agreement. In doing this, the entire household gets together and signs an agreement on decisions made about certain things. In order to eliminate as many unforeseen problems as possible, seriously consider the idea of compiling the decisions you make together into a written roommate agreement. Here are some suggestions for discussion.

1. Rent, utilities, furniture, and deposit—it would be a great idea to get together before you move in the apartment with all your roommates to discuss what will be needed and who will be willing to bring it. If it is already furnished, you are not going to have to worry about moving big things. That makes for a lot less hassle. If it is furnished then be sure to include those furnishings needed on a previously compiled list. On the list, put the names of the roommates by the items they are willing to bring (ex: dishes, flatware, pots and pans, extra appliances, phone, etc.). You also may want to decide who will be responsible for which utilities. It is good for each person to have his name on one of the utility bills.

2. Cleaning and neatness—How often and preference of each.

3. Food and cooking—How will you buy the food (separately or together)? How often will you cook? It is easi- er, space wise and usage wise, to share staple items such as flour, sugar, condiments, and things like that. Then when the time comes to replace the items you can take turns.

4. Household supplies and who can use them—Sometimes it is good to make a chart for household chores also. You could do it on a rotating basis or always be responsible for the same thing. Remember verbal agreements do not always work out.

5. Borrowing other people’s property and the restraints on that.

6. Pets—Do you want any? Allergic to any?

7. Guests—How often is too often? How late is too late?

8. Music and television.

9. Tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.

10. Study times and places—Consistency and frequency?

11. Sleeping times—Be quiet when others are sleeping.

12. Privacy—Be considerate of others.

All these topics cover several important issues that will arise when living together, and it is important that every- one be in on the final decision. It also allows the controversial issues to come up before a contract is signed.

34 COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR ROOMMATE

Living with one or more persons is not always smooth sailing. Even with careful discussion and prior agreement, mis- understandings will occur. However, there are a few things one can practice to make for the most comfortable living SITUATION. One key to successful roommate living is making sure the lines of communication are kept open. If you have likes, dislikes, or certain preferences, be sure to tell the other people involved. Share ideas and feelings openly. Do not put off stressful discussions. Sit down and talk them out calmly and most of all, honestly.

Second, make a commitment to your roommates to work together in order to have the best living situation possible. Realize that negotiation and compromise are essential factors when living with someone. Share decisions and be sure you give compliments as freely as criticism.

Third, be considerate toward your roommates and their guests and friends. If one of you is undergoing a particularly stressful time, share the situation so extra-sensitive precautions can take place. Respect each other’s property, feelings, and emotions; and they will likely do the same for you.

TOP 10 TIPS FOR HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

10. Have realistic expectations: No one can be everything we might want him or her to be. Healthy relationships mean accepting people as they are and not trying to change them!

9. It’s a process: getting to know people takes time, so be patient but also make an effort; relationships don’t develop out of thin air.

8. Communicate:  Make time  Be an active and genuine listener  Ask questions  Share information

7. Fight fair:  Say you’re sorry when you’re wrong  Don’t criticize  Don’t make assumptions  Be prepared to compromise and disagree  Don’t hold grudges

6. Be flexible and allow growth and change.

5. Be dependable: follow through on your responsibilities and plans to build and maintain trust.

4. Show your warmth: let people know that you care.

3. Keep your life balanced: don’t overload on activities but get out and try new things. Meet new people so you aren’t depending on a single person.

2. Take care of you: relationships are mutual; if you aren’t happy it will be reflected in the relationship

1. Be yourself: you’ll have more fun and find it easier to connect with people if you relax and let your real self shine through.

35

Moving Into Your New Home

In this section:

Setting Up Utilities

Furnishing Your Space

Cooking and Eating Off-Campus

Being A Good Neighbor

36 Setting Up Utilities

When you move into an apartment, you will need to have the utilities (electricity, gas, water, waste removal, and cable) turned on in your name. Your city or county government may handle some services, such as water, sewer, and garbage collection. If you live in an apartment or are leasing a house from a homeowner, the landlord may handle this for you, but that is not required.

Check with your landlord to see what is already set up and then make the phone calls to turn on the rest of the needed utilities. Provide as much advance notice to the utility company as you can, at least one week in ad- vance of the date you need service to start.

Gas/Electric Television National Grid: 1-800-322-3223 Comcast Xfinity: 1-800-288-2020 Eversource (NSTAR): 1-800-592-2000 RCN: 1-800-746-4726 Verizon Fios: 1-855-550-8863 Home Telephone DirecTV: 1-877-812-0746 Comcast: 1-800-288-2020 AT&T: 1-800-288-2020 Internet RCN: 1-866-832-4726 Comcast: 1-800-288-2020 Verizon: 1-800-837-4966 Earthlink: 1-866-383-3080 RCN: 1-800-746-4726 Wireless Phone Verizon Fios: 1-855-550-8863 AT&T Wireless: 1-800-331-0500 MetroPCS: 1-888-863-8768 T-Mobile: 1-877-353-3615 Verizon: 1-800-837-4966

Other recommendations for setting up utilities:

• To estimate utilities for an apartment or any residence, you can contact the customer service department and give them the address. They will be able to give you the average cost for the unit over a twelve month period, plus the lowest and highest bills.

• When moving in, never just pick up an old account and carry it on. This may leave you with some unexpectedly large bills racked up from the previous tenant.

• Always start new accounts with utility companies in the names of all roommates. This not only offers each roommate some security in that everyone is legally responsible for the bill, but it also gives each name on the account a chance to accumulate some good credit.

• Most utility companies allow you to set up an online account and make auto-payments each month.

• When you leave a unit, make sure you arrange with the appropriate utilities to either remove your name from the account (if your roommates are staying) or give the company specific cutoff dates. Otherwise you may end up responsible for bills racked up long after you have moved on.

37 Furnishing Your Space

Now that you have an apartment or room, it’s time to make it your own. Here is a good checklist to help you think about possible furniture and household supplies you may want to consider for your first apartment.

Furniture Focus on getting the essential items first. A bed is generally the first furniture need you should fulfill. A desk and chair are also high priorities for college students.

Finding affordable or free furniture

• Scour Craigslist’s For Sale and For Free listings.

• Goodwill and Savers sell used furniture.

• Ikea and Target sell affordable build-it-yourself furniture that is relatively easy to transport by car or delivery to your apartment.

Buying a mattress:

• Purchasing a mattress at Ikea may be a good investment that will serve you the next 7–10 years.

• Buy a futon to serve as both a bed and couch.

Other places to look for a mattress:

Frugal Furniture

MattressFirm

Bob's Discount Furniture

Boston Bed Company

Save costs while supplying your kitchen

• Inventory what you already have with roommates and housemates, if applicable.

• Visit Goodwill, Savers, or Dollar Tree for plates, pots, pans, and other cooking supplies.

• Target, Walmart, and Ikea sell kitchen start up kits with a set of pots, pans and utensils for $30–80.

• Dishware and kitchen supplies are common items sold at garage sales and rummage sales.

Cooking and Eating Off-Campus

Living off-campus means having your own kitchen, which many students find exciting. Going grocery shopping every week and cooking every day, however, is decidedly less exciting for most. Fear not– here are some tips for making food shopping and preparation manageable for even the busiest student:

• If you have a roommate or roommates, share the work. Take turns shopping, preparing meals, and cleaning up.

• Designate a weekly shopping trip as a study break or go shopping with a friend to fit in some social time into your schedule.

• Meal plan for a week at a time to reduce the number of times you have to go shopping in a week.

• Search Pinterest or other recipe websites to find recipes to cook in bulk

• Use those same websites to find out why a crock pot or slow cooker is a great investment for off-campus living. You can make meals which can last you for a couple of days.

• Buy in bulk at local grocery stores for your personal food staples.

38 Being A Good Neighbor

If you live in an apartment complex, you will probably get to know your neighbors as you come and go from your apartment. If you are in a house, it may be more difficult to get acquainted. But, it's a good idea to make the effort. Often problems arising from noisy parties, unruly pets, or trash can be averted by establishing a good relationship with others living in your community.

Six Helpful Steps to Being a Good Neighbor

STEP 1 Get to Know Your Neighbors. Introduce Yourself. Once you’ve moved in, make sure to introduce yourself to your new neighbors. It will be easier to prevent and resolve any problems later if you take the time to get to know each other. You might even want to ex- change contact information so you can easily get a hold of each other if anything comes up.

Learn More About Your Neighbors’ Lifestyles. It is helpful to know more than just your new neighbors’ names. Are they also college students who won’t mind hearing your stereo or party? Is it a family with young kids or an elderly couple who is looking for peace and quiet in the evenings? On the flipside: If you’re living next to college students, you may all be leav- ing for the different breaks; if your neighbor is a year-round resident, they’ll be able to keep an eye on your home while you are away. The key here is that it’s good to know your neighbors.

STEP 2 Communicate with Your Neighbors. Go past first introductions and establish ongoing communication with your neighbors. It’s in your best interest!

Alert Your Neighbors to Parties. If you’re planning on hosting a party, make sure to give your neighbors a heads up. Do it in person. Leave them a contact name and phone number and ask them to contact you if there is a problem. Most important- ly, respect your neighbors.

Let Them Know When You Go On Vacations. Make sure to tell neighbors you trust when you leave town for an extended period of time and let them know how to reach you if anything comes up. You will benefit from having someone keeping an eye on your residence while you are away.

Introduce Guests Who Visit Regularly. If you have guests who come and go regularly, don’t forget to introduce them to your neighbors as well – or at least give your neighbors a heads up about someone staying with you. An attentive neighbor might get worried about someone getting in and out of your house without you.

STEP 3 Keep an Eye Out for Each Other. Neighbors can prevent crime by keeping an eye out for each other in their neighborhood. You may not be able to monitor your residence every minute of the day, but your neighbors can be your eyes and ears when you are not present. Encourage your neighbors to report any suspicious activity to you (or law enforcement officials, if necessary) and volunteer to do the same.

39 STEP 4 Be Seen, But Not Heard. Respect Quiet Hours. At best, loud radios and parties may result in disgruntled neighbors; at worst, the police may knock on your door. City of Boston Code designates “quiet hours” between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. During this period, noise (from radios, musical instruments, shouting, yelling, etc.) plainly audible at 50 feet from the public street, public area or private property from which the noise emanates may result in a citation and fine. More information on City of Boston Municipal Code can be found at: www.boston.gov/noise-boston. If you live in a different jurisdiction, make sure to familiarize yourself with applicable local law and ordinances.

Be Aware of Shared Walls. You’re not throwing a party, listening to super loud music or anything like that, so you couldn’t possibly be disrupting your neighbor’s evening, right? Wrong! If you share walls with your neighbors, something as seemingly harmless as vacuuming, having friends over for games or watching TV in bed can create a nui- sance for your neighbors. Keep that in mind!

Control Your Pets. Do you find your dog’s bark adorable? Maybe you love the singing of your bird? Here’s some news for you: Chances are your neighbors don’t! On a related note: Don’t leave your dog outside to bark, making its noise someone else’s problem. Be respectful and keep your pet’s noise under control.

STEP 5 Maintain Your Home (and Community!). Curb Appeal. Keep your neighbors happy by making sure that your residence isn’t an eyesore for the community. Keep your yard tidy, don’t let garbage pile up, put trash out on the right day (and remember to bring it back), shov- el your sidewalk, and keep your sidewalk, curb and gutters clean, etc. More than just making nice with the neighbors, you will avoid a city fine by abiding by local ordinances. Some of these tasks may be your responsi- bility; some may be your landlord’s. Check your lease to figure out who is responsible for what!

Maintain the Inside, Too! Keep the inside of your home clean and tidy. Letting garbage pile up may attract pests, and these may be- come a nuisance for residents and neighbors alike. Also, taking good care of your home saves you money by avoiding potential charges for damages when it’s time to move out.

Your Pet Is Your Responsibility! If your pet leaves a mess in your neighbor’s lawn, clean it up. Also, keep your pets leashed at all times for everyone’s safety. State law requires that every dog owner get a license for their dog each year. If your dog is 6 months or older, you need to get them a rabies vaccine and a license. You also need proof of current vaccinations to get a license. If you don't get your dog licensed, you could be subject to fines.

STEP 6 Make a Difference in Your Community. You may be staying for just one year or two while you’re in college, but keep in mind that this is your home. Embrace it! Leave your community a little bit better than you found it. Help out with neighborhood events, clean up efforts or volunteer in Boston or surrounding areas. You can fins some information on volunteering at: https://www.bostonmagazine.com/places-volunteer-in-boston.

40 Forms

Fixed Term Lease Example Many landlords require tenants to sign a written lease. Remember that the lease is a contract which, once signed, legally binds both parties to the terms of the lease. Before signing the lease, read it and make sure that you understand everything. Leases are often written in confusing language. Have your landlord or an appropri- ate advisory agent explain everything that you do not understand.

Make sure that your lease protects your interests, not just the landlord's. Try to delete or modify clauses that are a disadvantage to you. Since many landlords now require student's parents to co-sign the lease, you should encourage your parents to thoroughly review the lease as well.

Tenant-At-Will Lease Example A tenancy agreement where a tenant occupies property with the consent of the owner, but without an agree- ment that specifies a definite rental period or the regular payment of rent. Tenancy at will is also known as es- tate at will.

Apartment Hunting Checklist Not sure what to ask a realtor or landlord when looking at an apartment? Here is a list of suggested questions! Review it before an apartment showing and select the questions that are most important to you.

Housing Code Checklist Does your apartment meet Boston Housing Code? Find out by using this checklist! This checklist is a tool you may use to determine what items in your apartment may need maintenance. Contact your landlord or property manager directly with any concerns.

Apartment Condition Checklist When you move into the apartment, you have 15 days to note any pre-existing damage of the apartment. We recommend using this form and taking photos! Save a copy for your records and send a copy to your landlord or property manager for their records.

Budgeting Worksheet A good way to start creating a budget is to take inventory of your routine income and expenses. The budget spreadsheet on the following page is an example of one way to take inventory of your monthly budget. It may be difficult to estimate monthly costs if you have never lived off-campus. To help create an initial budget, you can follow the standard recommendation to spend no more than 30-40% of your total monthly income on rent in or- der to leave room in your budget for other essential costs (such as food and transportation).

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